New plans for 24/7 traffic enforcement

The
Automobile Association has welcomed the newly announced plans to declare
traffic law enforcement an essential service, and thereby enable a 24-hour
working schedule for traffic law enforcers.

The
Department of Transport’s budget vote was delivered in Parliament in May by
Minister Joe Maswanganyi. According to reports, the plans include a two-fold
approach to increase the number of law enforcers on public roads and to declare
traffic law enforcement an essential service. This will enable the department
to ensure the availability of traffic officers on a 24-hour basis, every day of
the year.

“This
is a hugely positive step, and is encouraging in light of the country’s high
road fatality statistics. According to the Road Traffic Management
Corporation’s (RTMC) statistics, about 55 percent of crashes occur between 6pm
and 6am, when, traditionally, there has been limited coverage by traffic
officials. Having traffic officers on duty during this time may lead to
positive results, and we welcome the move as a first step to dealing with the
carnage on our roads,” the AA noted.

Apart
from more traffic officers, and extended working hours, the Association said it
is important for the department to educate drivers on the need for compliance.
It noted that without the public understanding the consequences of non-compliance
with traffic laws, the current situation of disregarding the laws would
continue.

The
Association also welcomed the Minister’s remarks that his department would
focus on maintaining provincial and national road networks, and improving public
transport for rail and road commuters. This, the AA said, was especially
welcome news given that there are moves to subsidise, in part, this public
transport.

“Making
public transport more readily available is also relevant in a country where
public transport can become more widely used because of the rising costs of
personal vehicle ownership. And it will, for instance, make it easier for
children to get to and from school without having to rely on unscrupulous
operators who use un-roadworthy vehicles, or who drive without having the
proper licenses,” the AA concluded.

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